I suspect it’s a case of tired parents serving up what they know will be eaten. Which is totally understandable, but it does make introducing new foods incredibly tricky. To avoid the ‘but I don’t eat that’ argument from the kids, try to keep your weekly meal list varied and attempt something new at least once a week. Your chances of success will be highest by keeping the new dinners in the realm of some current favourites. If they like spag bol, try out a lasagna. If they like lasagna, try some cannelloni. If they like pizza, try quesadillas etc etc. Familiar enough, but slowly moving them into different areas.

With that in mind, this week’s meal plan is full of dishes that you might not normally consider, but I highly recommend, both in terms of flavour and interest.

Chrissy said,

If I’m trying out something really crazy and I’m unsure that they’ll have it, then I make sure I have some fresh bread on hand. They can have that with some cream cheese or avocado on it. And a banana or extra yoghurt. I won’t make anything else ‘just in case’ – if they know that there’s something else they’d prefer, then they’ll eat that, not the new thing I want them to try.

And I make sure that the new things is something that my husband and I are happy eating, so that I never feel as though I’m totally wasting my time. 🙂

5

Peta said,

Fantastic ideas. My daughter is all grown up with her own family but I love your recipes because we get sick of steamed vegs etc so by ‘smuggling’ them into a dish, we’re getting all the nutrients and variety at the same time. Plus, I really appreciate that you do all the work for me….choosing the menu and giving the recipe. I only have to shop and cook!!! Thank you Wendy,
Peta 🙂

Jodie said,

I think I’m the opposite, there is usually only one or two familiar meals a week. I have too many cookbooks and read too many food blogs! Your lentil burgers were already on our menu this week! I tried them out a few weeks ago and they were a hit. At 7 and 4 they will turn their noses up at things but generally they will give things ago. Spicy soup (tom yum) is a favourite. I only wish they liked sushi!

Jodie said,

I think its the seaweed! Need to try the rice on the outside. Favourite cook book is a hard question, I seem to rotate. I just got a copy of ‘Real Mexican Food’ after a friend gave me a bag of Mexican corn flour, so that’s where we’re headed next.

Jodi said,

My 4yo would eat most of these without too much trouble. I usually wait till he is going through a growth spurt to try anything that I think is really out there! He is so hungry at these times that he eats just about anything, lol!

Carlie said,

For the past few months I have become quite addicted to trying a new recipe nearly every night… I have become quite good at trying something new at least once before I decide me or my family wont like it and it has led to many new family favourites 🙂 ! My poor recipe folder is overflowing… every time I have a surplus of an ingredient in the fridge/cupboard I research recipes containing that ingredient and add to my “to try” pile!